Well, I read The Hobbit in 8th grade. It was unlike anything I had ever read, so naturally I picked up LOTR as soon as TH was done. It shocked me. Tolkien took the innocent, almost seemingly benign ring of The Hobbit and made it the Dreadful, Dark, Evil, and otherwise Terrifying Ring of Sauron. I've never been the same.

Favorite Tolkien character:

SAMWISE GAMGEE!!!!!! He's been my favorite since the beginning. I just love his undying loyalty, sweet attitude, and his potatoes. (PS I DIDN'T, DON'T, and WILL NEVER have a crush on him, I just admire him very much)